Question & AnswerQ&A (DOE DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC 2009 12 0014)
The main purpose is to implement the Philippine National Standard Specifications for Unleaded Motor Gasoline (PNS/DOE QS 001:2009), ensuring only conventional gasoline that meets these standards is sold and distributed in the Philippines starting November 16, 2009.
Deregulation of the downstream oil industry is provided under Republic Act No. 8479, known as the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998.
Section 26 mandates the Department of Energy (DOE), along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other stakeholders to set specifications for all types of fuel and fuel-related products, improving fuel composition and allowable additive contents.
RA 9367 mandates the use of biofuel-blended gasoline and diesel, requiring a minimum of 5% bioethanol blend in the annual total volume of gasoline sold and distributed by oil companies.
They must label all pumps dispensing regular gasoline with the advisory 'NOT RECOMMENDED FOR VEHICLES WITH FOUR (4) OR MORE WHEELS', and gasoline dispensing pumps with octane stickers must indicate the word 'MINIMUM' below the octane number.
Importers must submit to the DOE, within twenty (20) days after unloading, a Certificate of Quality (COQ) showing all the properties listed in PNS/DOE QS 001:2009 along with test results as part of the reportorial requirements under DOE Memorandum Circular No. 98-03-004.
Oil companies are responsible for regular monitoring of their refineries, bulk plants, terminals, depots, tank trucks, and gasoline stations to ensure product quality, while the DOE conducts random quality and quantity sampling and testing.
Any person failing to comply shall be subject to appropriate sanctions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Department Circular No. 2006-04-0005 is repealed by this circular.
It took effect immediately upon publication in any newspaper of general circulation.